Justin Rose seizes share of lead at WGC-Bridgestone

England`s Justin Rose roared home with four birdies in his last six holes to fire a bogey-free 63 to grab a share of the lead after the third round of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

Rose is tied with second round leader Jim Furyk, of the US, through 54 holes at nine-under 201 at the Firestone Country Club course.

Rose, the 2013 US Open champion whose only title in the World Golf Championships came in the 2012 WGC-Cadillac Championship at Doral, capped his seven-under 63 round Saturday with a 38-foot birdie putt on the final hole. 

"I didn`t make any birdies yesterday, but I have played well all week and felt there was a low score out there," said Rose.

"I birdied the first two holes (Saturday) and it was nice to see a couple finally go in. Then I had that hot spell on the back nine.

"I went out there today with the mindset of making some birdies right from the beginning and it got me right back into the tournament." 

Rose tied for fourth at the 2014 WGC-Bridgestone tournament.

Furyk, who has finished second twice among nine top-10 finishes in Bridgestone without winning, sank an 11-foot par putt on the 18th hole to finish a 69 and keep a share of the lead.

Shane Lowry of Ireland carded a 67 and was two shots back in solo third. Steven Bowditch of Australia matched Rose`s 63, taking his only bogey on the 13th hole, and was four strokes behind in a tie for fourth with Bubba Watson (69), England`s Ian Poulter (65) and Swede Henrik Stenson (68).

Brooks Koepka and Robert Streb, who both had 68s, were tied for eighth with Northern Ireland`s Graeme McDowell.

Players champion Rickie Fowler shot a 70, good for a share of 15th.

Reigning Masters and US Open champ Jordan Spieth was tied for 17th after a 72 and Zach Johnson, who claimed the Open Championship at St. Andrews, was tied for 26th after a 71.

Phil Mickelson, who opened with a 76 in the no-cut event, carded a 71 and still has not broken 70 in three rounds, leaving him well back in 58th.